About this episode

The episode discusses the ergot theory related to the Salem Witch Trials and critiques a recent ESPN podcast episode on the topic.

ESPN has a history podcast, and they used it to cover the Salem Witch Trials on the 50th anniversary of the ergot theory. Hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack, descendants of Salem Witch Trial victims, respond to Stupiracy's April 2nd episode on whether moldy rye bread caused the accusations of 1692. What you will learn: What the ergot theory is and why it has circulated for 50 years How the historical symptoms from Salem do not match ergotism Who was executed and who died in jail during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 Why the devil, not bread mold, was the legal framework driving the prosecutions The witch legends and actual 1692 witch trials in ESPN's own backyard in Connecticut Hosted by Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack of The Thing About Witch Hunts Podcast. Learn more at www.aboutwitchhunts.com #SalemWitchTrials #WitchTrials #ErgotTheory #Salem1692 #SalemHistory #WitchHistory #RebeccaNurse #MaryEasty #GilesCory #ESPN #Stupiracy #ConnecticutWitchTrials #AmericanHistory #WitchHunts Links Margo Burns on Moldy Bread Theory Best Books on The Salem Witch Trials The Thing About the Salem Witch Trials Salem Witch Trials Daily The Thing About Witch Hunts

People in this episode

Hosts: Josh Hutchinson, Sarah Jack

Topics covered

• Salem Witch Trials
• Ergot Theory
• Historical Analysis
• Witch Hunts
• Legal Framework
• Connecticut Witch Trials

Keywords

• Salem Witch Trials
• Ergot Theory
• Josh Hutchinson
• Sarah Jack
• 1692
• Witch Hunts
• Connecticut
• Moldy Rye Bread
• Historical Symptoms

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ESPN, Stupiracy

Places: Connecticut

More episodes of The Thing About the Salem Witch Trials

• Salem Witch Trials Court: How the Court of Oyer and Terminer Worked in 1692 · May 31, 2026 · 13 min
• Salem Witch Trials Governor Sir William Phips: America's First Knight · May 24, 2026 · 22 min
• American Revolution: How Families of Salem Witch Trials Victims and Accusers United for Independence · May 10, 2026 · 18 min
• Salem Witch Trials Judge Coerces Confessions from Teens: The April 19, 1692 Story · April 18, 2026 · 27 min
• Salem Witch Trials Survivor: Sarah Cloyce's Story · April 11, 2026 · 15 min
• Salem Witch Trials: Was Mercy Lewis the Ringleader of the Afflicted Girls? · April 7, 2026 · 19 min

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